Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run generated $13.4 million economic impact in Wake County, report shows

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship run generated $13.4 million in economic impact for Wake County, according to figures released on Wednesday by the team, Visit Raleigh and the National Hockey League.

Read more Roy Cooper leads Michael Whatley by 14 points in new NC Senate race poll

Officials said three sold-out Stanley Cup Final home games at Lenovo Center, along with three Hurricanes watch parties for away games, attracted more than 112,000 attendees and delivered a tremendously positive effect to the local economy.

“With the series wrapped up, the Stanley Cup Final brought a significant economic boost to the Raleigh area with three exhilarating home games at Lenovo Center and Hurricanes Watch Parties for away games, bringing Caniacs together to watch the games on the videoboard inside the arena,” Visit Raleigh said in a news release.

According to tourism officials, the six events generated more than 6,700 hotel room nights across Wake County and produced $255,024 in tax revenue.

“We are proud to be Stanley Cup Champions, but we are just as proud of the way this community has rallied around our team,” Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork said in a statement. “Our fans, partners and government leaders have shown the strength of this market and its passion for hockey and professional sports. We share this championship with all of them.”

The Stanley Cup Final drew visitors from all 50 states and two countries, boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic and tourism-related spending throughout the region.

“The Stanley Cup Final will go down as one of the most unforgettable events, sports or otherwise, in Raleigh’s history,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance.

Dupree said the championship run created lasting memories for fans while serving as a major economic driver for the region. He noted the impact could have been even larger if the series had returned to Raleigh for a Game 7.

Read more Cubs manager Craig Counsell perplexed by rainout and irked by ‘terrible rule’

These figures come just days after an estimated 180,000 people packed downtown Raleigh for the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship parade and celebration.

The crowd was significantly larger than the approximately 30,000 fans who attended the franchise’s first Stanley Cup parade in 2006 following Carolina’s victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Hurricanes secured their second Stanley Cup title — and first since 2006 — by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games.

Following the championship victory, Gov. Josh Stein issued a proclamation declaring the start of “Stanley Cup Summer” in North Carolina.

“The Carolina Hurricanes have filled North Carolina with pride and excitement by winning the 2026 Stanley Cup Championship,” Stein wrote in the proclamation, calling the title proof that “North Carolina is a hockey state.”

Stein’s proclamation recognizes the accomplishments of the players, coaches, staff and fans while celebrating the return of the Stanley Cup to North Carolina for the first time in two decades.

The governor declared June 20 as the beginning of “Stanley Cup Summer,” which will continue throughout the remainder of the season.

Read more Family mourns as man is taken off life support days after NC crash; driver was fleeing police, officers say